Expert Analysis
2/6/23
13 min read
2023 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Post-Senior Bowl Picks for First 2 Rounds
Last week's Senior Bowl saw breakouts from a few prospects who popped at practice. With a better scope of the full draft class, this mock is extended to include the first two rounds.
Led by T.J. McCreight, The 33rd Team Scouting Department has been hard at work evaluating the top prospects in this class. A former player personnel executive for the Philadelphia Eagles and former director of college scouting for the Indianapolis Colts, McCreight has nearly 25 years of NFL scouting experience.
He is joined in the department by three scouts:
- Kevin Cohn, a former scouting assistant for the Jacksonville Jaguars and assistant director of player personnel for the University of Connecticut.
- Justin Casey, who worked for the Arizona Cardinals in football administration and then as the senior player personnel executive for the Montreal Alouettes.
- Evan Pritt, a former scouting assistant for the Eagles and former player personnel assistant for the University of Maryland.
>> Full Big Board from The 33rd Team Scouting Dept.
Notes:
- The draft order for picks 1-30 are set but picks 31-32 will be determined by what happens in the Super Bowl.
- This year’s first round only has 31 picks because the Miami Dolphins forfeited their selection for tampering with Tom Brady.
The 33rd Team 2023 Mock Draft 3.0
Projected Trade
Indianapolis Receives: 1 (1st overall)
Chicago Receives: 1 (4th), 2 (35th), 3 (79th), 2024 1st
1. Indianapolis Colts: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State (Projected Trade with Chicago)
C.J. Stroud (scouting report) does not have to drive far from Columbus to lead the Colts. He will immediately step in as a starter for an offense that already features Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce and Jelani Woods.
2. Houston Texans: Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama
In a surprising turn of events, the Texans pivot off of drafting a young quarterback, land Derek Carr in a trade with the Raiders prior to the draft and build their defense by landing talented Alabama pass rusher Will Anderson (scouting report).
>> READ: Carr Given Permission to Seek Trade
3. Arizona Cardinals: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
The Cardinals plug Jalen Carter (scouting report) into the middle of their defense and give the new head coach a building block on this side of the football. Arizona has made six first-round picks since 2016, and four of them have been used on defenders — Carter would make it five.Â
4. Chicago Bears: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia (Projected Trade with Indianapolis)
The Bears pick a blue chip offensive tackle prospect in Broderick Jones (scouting report) who will protect the passer and move people in the run game. The Bears would be committing to Justin Fields in this scenario, so protecting him should be their first priority.Â
5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Seattle picks their franchise quarterback to run its offense. Despite the team having talks to possibly bring back Geno Smith, there should be lots of high-fives in the draft room as they are getting great value in Bryce Young (scouting report) with the fifth selection.
Projected Trade
Carolina Receives: 1 (6th)
Detroit Receives: 1 (9th), 2 (61st)
6. Carolina Panthers: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky (Projected Trade with Detroit)
New coach Frank Reich mentioned the Panthers needed to upgrade the quarterback position in his opening press conference. Will Levis (scouting report) gives him a young, talented passer to groom for the future of this franchise.Â
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
The Raiders were rumored to get one of two former Patriot quarterbacks this offseason, but Tom Brady retired, so Jimmy Garoppolo lands with the Raiders instead prior to the draft. They use this pick to select an athletic offensive lineman to protect him. Paris Johnson Jr. (scouting report) fits the bill. With this pick, they improve their pass protection and have an offensive tackle for the future.
>> READ: 49ers Say No Chance Jimmy G Returns
8. Atlanta Falcons: Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
Ryan Nielsen, the new defensive coordinator in Atlanta, comes from New Orleans where the Saints love long, athletic pass rushers, and they find that with Tyree Wilson (scouting report).
9. Detroit Lions (from LA Rams): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon (Projected Trade with Carolina)
The Lions move from No. 6 to No. 9 and still get the player they wanted. The defense gets faster and more athletic with the top corner in the draft. Christian Gonzalez (scouting report) would pair with former top 5 pick Jeff Okudah, who had a resurgent year in 2022.Â
10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Eagles do not have many holes, so they take the top player on their board at a premium position. Devon Witherspoon (scouting report) will be a good fit for this defense. He's aggressive in the running game and proved he was capable of making plays on the ball this past season.Â
11. Tennessee Titans: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
Tennessee needs to do everything in its power to upgrade the tackle position this offseason. The Titans stick to their script and pick a big, long mauler in Dawand Jones (scouting report), who can move the line of scrimmage. He fits the Titans' model.
12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland): Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Houston takes the first wide receiver off the board and gives them size and speed at this position. Quentin Johnston (scouting report) can move the sticks as well as take the top off the defense. This would give Carr a big, young target to turn the Texans around.Â
Projected Trade
Green Bay Receives: 1 (13th)
New York Jets Receive: Aaron Rodgers
13. Green Bay Packers: Brian Branch, CB/S, Alabama
The Packers get this pick in the Rodgers trade and improve their secondary by selecting Brian Branch (scouting report). Branch is a solid football player in both the pass and the run game. He's versatile and capable of playing multiple spots on the backend, which is something the Packers need.Â
14. New England Patriots: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
This pick will give New England the versatility to play Peter Skoronski (scouting report) at either tackle or guard. They will love his toughness in the run game. Mac Jones had a tough 2022 season. Perhaps Skoronski's protection and the hiring of new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien can get New England's offense back on track.Â
15. Green Bay Packers: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Dalton Kincaid (scouting report) gives the Packers a mismatch type of tight end that will produce in the passing game and take some of the pressure off of the passer. Kincaid would pair nicely with Christian Watson as two bigger players capable of making plays down the field.Â
16. Washington Commanders: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Commanders have to find an upgrade at the quarterback position this offseason. However, in this scenario, Washington gets shut out of the veteran quarterback market and takes a chance on Anthony Richardson (scouting report). The talented passer from Florida is raw, but has all of the raw tools teams will covet.Â
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
In the Steelers' defense, the inside linebacker position is critical, and Pittsburgh lands the best in the draft in Trenton Simpson (scouting report).Â
18. Detroit Lions: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Taking two corners in the first round in the same draft is unusual, but it makes sense for the Lions. In one day, they solidify this position. Emmanuel Forbes (scouting report) made a name for himself by producing 14 interceptions in three collegiate seasons.Â
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
With the top four quarterbacks off the board, Tampa Bay pivots to the defensive side of the ball instead of taking Tom Brady's replacement. Kelee Ringo (scouting report) is an explosive, straight-line athlete that can turn and run with NFL wide receivers.
20. Seattle Seahawks: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Joey Porter Jr. (scouting report) gives Seattle a trio of talented young corners for the future after taking Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant in last year's draft. Needing to cover DK Metcalf in practice every day should help each of them in their development.Â
21. Miami Dolphins: Forfeited
The Dolphins forfeit their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Jordan Addison (scouting report) gives the Chargers speed and explosiveness. This offense needs speed and Addison is also the most polished receiver in the draft. New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore should have no issue putting Addison's skillset to use.Â
23. Baltimore Ravens: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
At this point of the draft, even though the Ravens have running backs, they pick the highest-rated player on their board in Bijan Robinson (scouting report). They will not pass on blue-chip players. Assuming Lamar Jackson returns to Baltimore, he and Robinson would give the Ravens an impressive backfield combination.Â
24. Minnesota Vikings: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Minnesota gave up the second-most passing yards per game last season. The Vikings improve their secondary with this pick. Cam Smith (scouting report) is a confident player with outstanding quickness and has produced vs. top-level wide receivers.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
The Jaguars have their franchise quarterback, so they can turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball and try to find another edge rusher to pair with former first-round pick Josh Allen. Myles Murphy (scouting report) produced 6.5 sacks last year for Clemson and boasts great quickness off the snap. You can never have enough players to get to the quarterback.
26. New York Giants: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
The Giants got solid production from players like Richie James Jr. and Isaiah Hodgins but still need a wide receiver upgrade. Jalin Hyatt (scouting report) gives Danny Dimes an explosive player that can run by defenders. He could make life a bit easier for Jones.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Dallas will need a new running back next fall. Ezekiel Elliott has a big contract, and his production has dropped. There are also questions about Tony Pollard's health after he suffered a fractured fibula in the playoffs. Jahmyr Gibbs (scouting report) is a dual-threat back who can provide a spark to the Cowboys' offense right away.
28. Buffalo Bills: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
Safety is a position of need for the Bills in 2023. Jordan Poyer is a free agent while Micah Hyde is coming off an injury and is getting up in years. Antonio Johnson (scouting report) is a fluid athlete who can contribute in man coverage. His versatility would be a boost to the Bills' secondary.Â
29. Cincinnati Bengals: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
The Bengals enter 2023 still in need of improving their offensive line. Anton Harrison (scouting report) is the top tackle left on the board. While he may not be the best athlete, Harrison will give the Bengals a solid anchor to protect Joe Burrow.
30. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Denver): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Saints get the Broncos' first-round pick in the Sean Payton trade and take Michael Mayer (scouting report), a tight end who can help them in both the run game and the passing game. His size and ball skills will make a difference for this offense.Â
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Kansas City picks Darnell Wright (scouting report), a player who can open up holes in the run game and protect Patrick Mahomes. Wright could help replace Orlando Brown Jr., who has the potential to leave in free agency this offseason.Â
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
The Eagles double down on defense in the first round as they bolster their already deep defensive line with Bryan Bresee (scouting report). He could be the replacement for Fletcher Cox for years to come.
Round 2
33. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Chicago): Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa
34. Houston Texans: Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia (scouting report)
35. Arizona Cardinals: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
36. Chicago Bears (projected trade with Indianapolis): Zach Harrison, Edge, Ohio State (scouting report)
37. Los Angeles Rams: Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State (scouting report)
38. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Will McDonald, Edge, Iowa State (scouting report)
39. Las Vegas Raiders: O'Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida (scouting report)
40. Carolina Panthers: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina (scouting report)
41. New Orleans Saints: Andre Carter, Edge, Army (scouting report)
42. Tennessee Titans: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College (scouting report)
43. Cleveland Browns: Gervon Dexter, DL, Florida (scouting report)
44. New York Jets: Carter Warren, OT, Pittsburgh (scouting report)
45. Atlanta Falcons: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU (scouting report)
46. Green Bay Packers: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State (scouting report)
47. New England Patriots: Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State (scouting report)
48. Washington Commanders: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State (scouting report)
49. Detroit Lions: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas State (scouting report)
50. Pittsburgh Steelers: Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan (scouting report)
51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: BJ Ojulari, Edge, LSU (scouting report)
52. Miami Dolphins: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon (scouting report)
53. Seattle Seahawks: Byron Young, Edge, Tennessee (scouting report)
54. Chicago Bears (From Baltimore): Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss (scouting report)
55. Los Angeles Chargers: Henry To'oTo'o, LB, Alabama (scouting report)
56. Detroit Lions (From Minnesota): Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State (scouting report)
57. Jacksonville Jaguars: Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse (scouting report)
58. New York Giants: Demarvion Overshown, LB, Texas (scouting report)
59. Dallas Cowboys: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU (scouting report)
60. Buffalo Bills: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland (scouting report)
61. Cincinnati Bengals: Clark Phillips, CB, Utah (scouting report)
62. Detroit Lions (Projected Trade with Carolina): Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn (scouting report)
63. Kansas City Chiefs: Zacch Pickens, DL, South Carolina (scouting report)
64. Philadelphia Eagles: Isaiah Foskey, Edge, Notre Dame (scouting report)
